Selfish Machines

“I cannot believe that fucking guy.” Mike says basically steaming.

“Yeah it’s shitty but a lot of people turn to drugs.” I say trying to lighten the mood a little.

“He came over this morning right before we ate breakfast and told me he needed to borrow some money for food and bills. So I gave him like two hundred and fifty dollars told him that’s all I had in cash at the moment.” Mikes fuming at this point. “And he goes and buys fucking drugs??”

“You gave him money?” I ask.

“I’m not gonna let my friend go homeless and starving.” Mike says. “Fuck that guy. I’m never helping him again.”

“Well that really sucks.” I say disappointed.

The rest of the drive home was fairly quiet. I can’t believe Ronnie would do that.

We get back to the house, it’s so quiet here with just me and Mike here. We go sit on the couch in the living room.

“Hey, I’m gonna go call Vic. And see how Abuela is doing.” I say to Mike.

“I spoke to him after school while I was waiting for you.” Mike replies.

“How is she doing?” I ask.

“He said that she had a seizure last night.” Mike frowns. “Things are going better today, but they want to keep her in the hospital for another night just in case anything goes wrong.”

“You okay?” I ask grabbing his hand.

“I’ll be fine, I just wish I could be there.” Mike says.

“I understand, hopefully she gets to go home tomorrow and everything will be okay.” I give Mike a short warm hug.

“You should still call Vic, he seems pretty upset and I know you’re still his best friend.” Mike smiles. It seems like a genuine smile but there’s something off about it. Almost as if there’s a hint of jealousy.

“Okay, I’ll be right back.” I say grabbing my phone and my jacket, heading out to the back deck.

I pull out a cigarette and light it. I call Vic. It rings a few times before he answers.

“Spencer?” He asks.

“Yeah Vic it’s me, I just wanted to call to see how you were doing?”

“The best I can.” He says the tone of his voice dropping.

“I miss you, it’s weird without you here.” I say trying to make him feel better.

“I miss you too.” He says softly. “How are things going with Mike?”

“Pretty good, just Mike being Mike.” I say, leaving out a few details.

“You’re falling for him aren’t you?” Vic says. “It’s okay if you are.”

“I didn’t call to talk about Mike, I called to see if you’re okay and if you need a friend to talk to?”

“I don’t need anymore friends.” Vic says. “I have to go Spencer Abuela just woke up.”

Before I get a chance to say goodbye he hangs up. I finish my smoke and walk inside. Mike’s still sitting on the couch.

“Did you say something to Vic this morning?” I ask Mike closing the door behind me.

“Yeah I told you I talked to him.” Mike replies.

“I know that but did you say something about me?” Oh he definitely said something.

“Not really.” Mike lies. “Why what’s up?”

“Well he just hung up on me so obviously you said something to him.” I cross my arms and stare at him.

“I might have mentioned you once or twice.” Mike says.

“Michael Christopher Fuentes what did you say?” I ask starting to get mad.

“Nothing really, don’t worry about it.” Mike walks away.

“Don’t walk away I’m not done talking.” I say following behind him.

“I am.” He says, not bothering to turn around. He just keeps walking up the stairs.

“Well I’m not!” I raise my voice a little. “Tell me what you said to him!”

“I said I’m in love with you1” He yelled turning around when he reached the top of the staircase.

Notes